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Arab Racing
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The Arabian horse originated
from the Arabian Peninsula where it has been raced for centuries. This breed is
smaller in size and more one paced than the Thoroughbred. It is very attractive
and intelligent, generally noted for its ability to endure sustained effort
over long distances. In January 2000 the Abu Dhabi one-day 100 mile race was
won by a 10 year old Purebred Arab gelding, Ben Saloe, at an astonishing
average speed of 12.71 mph! |
The Arabian has been in Britain since the Romans
conquered our shores. They raced them at Netherby (Yorkshire) long before the
Thoroughbred was produced. James I kept Arabians, including the famous Markham
Arabian, at Newmarket where he instituted a kind of steeplechase on Newmarket
Heath. The Parliamentarians confiscated his Stud in 1648 and his horses were
dispersed - most being lost from record.
The Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the
Byerly Turk from the 18th Century were to become the progenerators of the
British Thoroughbred stock. Weatherby's Stud Book began in 1791 based on these
three Arabians. Prior to this, the Jockey Club was founded in 1752.
| By 1885 the speedy
Thoroughbred had evolved to be so fast that the Purebred Arabian was no longer
a match for it even when given a large allowance. So the racing of this smaller
breed on official tracks was stopped. It was not until 1978 that they were
returned to the tracks once more. A few racing enthusiasts from the Arab Horse
Society, led by Ann Unwin, gained permission from the Jockey Club to organise
Amateur flat races. Since then, for the past 22 seasons, the sport has
flourished under Jockey Club Rules, on official courses and has grown to be the
most active of its kind in Europe. |
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This article and the
accompanying illustrations are kindly provided by ARO
The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was formed
in December 1999 and is a registered company. The working office is at Newbury
Racecourse where the Racing Manager Charlie Corbett, or Office Manager Cressida
Whyatt will be pleased to help answer your questions on Arabian flat racing.
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ARO ran 18 professionally organised race meetings
in the 2000 season providing the highest standards of entertainment for
racegoers, sponsors and participants. There were also 8 races on Thoroughbred
meetings. The sport is open to all, and provides a relaxed day out for the
family.
ARO uses the handicap system in many races to
create competition between runners at all levels. Thereby the slower horses too
get their chances to win a big prize. Arabian horses can be purchased at a
fraction of the price of a Thoroughbred - and if you get involved in a
partnership or syndicate, ownership is very affordable, cost effective and fun.
ARO is delighted to welcome new sponsors and
arrangements can be tailored to personal requirements. Whether you wish to
promote your product or service, or celebrate a special occasion, or just wish
to join in the fun, ARO offers unbeatable value for money.
Contact the ARO office to get the ball rolling.
Tel 01635 524445/6 Fax 01635 230200
Email:
charlie@arabianracing.org.uk Website:
www.arabianracing.org.uk
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